LeicaLeica is a camera produced by a German company of the same name. The company, formerly Ernst Leitz Gmbh, is now three companies: Leica Camera AG, Leica Geosystems AG, and Leica Microsystems AG, which produce cameras, geosurvey equipment and microscopes, respectively. Leica Microsystems AG is the owner of the Leica brand, and grants licenses to Leica Camera AG and Leica Geosystems. Leica camera history - "The grandfather of 35 mm photography"The Leica 0, a modern reedition of the original Leica The Leica I, 1925, 1:3,5 The Leica I, 1925, 1:3,5 The Leica II, 1932, with integrated telemeter Leica IIIf (1950), one of the last screw-mount Leicas, with 50 mm/f1.5 Summarit Leica's evolutionary design is evident comparing the 2003 MP and the 1954 M3 Modern Leica M series The Leica Visoflex II (1960) Leica's answer to the SLR; a Leica Visoflex II on Leica IIIf with 65 mm f/3.5 Elmarit The Leica R4 (1980) introduced the shape of the Leica SLR throughout most of the 1980s and 1990s. The Leica SL2 MOT (1974) was the culmination of the original Leicaflexes. The SL2 was reportedly more expensive to produce than the camera's price. The R9, the latest reflex camera by Leica The R9 can be fitted with a digital back Leica M2 Leica M6 Black PaintThe Leica was the first practical 35 mm camera. The first prototypes were built by Oskar Barnack at E. Leitz Optische Werke, Wetzlar, in 1913. Barnack used standard cinema 35 mm film, but extended the image size to 24 x 36 mm. Barnack believed the 2:3 aspect ratio to be the ultimate choice, leaving room for a 36-exposure film length. Barnack's words, "Small negatives -- large images", would soon change the world of photography. The concept was developed further, and in 1923 Barnack convinced his boss, Ernst Leitz II, to make a prototype series of 31. The camera was an immediate success when introduced at the 1925 Leipzig, Germany Spring Fair as the Leica I (for Leitz Camera). The Elmar 50 mm f/3.5 objective (a 4-elements design influenced by the Zeiss Tessar) was designed by Dr. Max Berek at Leitz, and was one of the reasons behind the success of the camera, the others being its compact size and reliability. The focal plane shutter had a range from 1/20 to 1/500 second, in addition to a Z for Zeit (time) position. In 1930 came the Leica I Schraubgewinde with an exchangeable objective system based on a 39 mm thread. In addition to the 50 normal lens, a 35 wide angle and a 135 mm telephoto objective were initially available. The Leica II came in 1932, with a built in rangefinder coupled to the lens focusing mechanism. This model had a separate viewfinder (showing a reduced image) and rangefinder (showing an enlarged double image which was properly focused when it became one image). The Leica III added slow shutter speeds down to 1 second, and the model IIIa added the 1/1000 second shutter speed. Also significant about the IIIa is that it is the last model made before Barnack's death, and therefore the last model he was wholly responsible for. Leitz continued to refine the original design through to 1957. The final version, the IIIg, included a large viewfinder with framelines, similar to the M3 finder, but still with the separate view- and rangefinder. These models all had a functional combination of circular dials and square windows that was quite esthetically pleasing, although somewhat busy in appearance. In 1954 Leitz unveiled the M3, a bayonet lens model, considered by many to be a design miracle for its combination of simple appearance with functional flexibility. It combined the rangefinder and viewfinder into one large, bright viewfinder with a brighter double image in the center, and introduced a system of parallax compensation. In addition, it had a new rubberized focal-plane shutter, which is known for reliability and is probably the quietest focal-plane shutter ever made. This model has continued to be refined (the latest versions being the M7 and MP, both of which have frames for 28, 35, 50, 75, 90, and 135 mm lenses which show automatically upon mounting the different lenses); but the basic quality and simplicity of design has not changed. Leica also produced a series of SLR (single-lens reflex) cameras beginning with the Leicaflex, followed by the SL, the SL2, and then the R series from R3 to R7, which were initially made in collaboration with the Minolta Corporation . They feature electronic shutter, except for the all-mechanical R6, whose only electronic part is the lightmeter. The R8 was re-designed and manufactured by Leica, featuring a larger body and a new, distinctive look. The current model is the R9, which now has an optional Digital Module back. The Leica SLRs were well-received. The optics were excellent, but Leica was slow to produce an auto-exposure model, and never made a version that supported auto-focusing. This and the high price of the optics made them less attractive to working photographers. Leitz was also responsible for numerous optical innovations (first use of aspheric production lenses, first use of multicoated lenses, first use of rare earth lenses, to name a few). From the 30s to the 50s, the Leica competed with the German Contax camera to be most sophisticated and best built camera on market. Leica lenses developed a mythology -- that photographs taken with them were recognizable from photographs taken with other lenses. There has been much controversy about this. Leica optics are particularly well-known for superior performance at maximum aperture, making them well-suited for natural-light photography. Leica has in its stable a particularly remarkable lens, the Noctilux 50 mm f/1.0. Introduced in 1976, this ultra-high speed lens is still being made today. No other lens has matched the Noctilux in its combination of speed, quality and longevity. A number of camera companies built models based on the Leica rangefinder design. These include the Leotax, Nicca and early Canon models in Japan, the Kardon in USA, the Reid in England and the Fed and Zorki in the USSR. Conceptually bridging the Rangefinder Leicas and the SLR Leicas was the Leica Visoflex System, a mirror reflex box which attached to the lens mount of Leica rangefinders (separate versions were made for the screwmount and M series bodies) and accepted lenses made especially for the Visoflex System. Rather than using the camera's rangefinder, focusing was accomplished via a groundglass screen. A coupling released both mirror and shutter to make the exposure. Camera rangefinders are inherently limited in their ability to accurately focus long focal-length lenses and the mirror reflex box permitted much longer length lenses. The earliest Leica reflex housing was the PLOOT, announced in 1935, along with the 200 mm f/4.5 Telyt Lens. This date is significant because that it places Leica among the 35 mm SLR pioneers. Moreover, until the 1964 introduction of the Leicaflex, the PLOOT and Visoflex were Leica's only SLR offerings. A redesigned PLOOT was introduced by Leica in 1951 as the Visoflex I. This was followed by a much more compact Visoflex II in 1960 (which was the only Visoflex version available in both LTM (screwmount) and M-bayonet) and the Visoflex III with instant-return mirror in 1964. Leica lenses for the Visoflex system included focal lengths of 65, 180 (rare), 200, 280, 400, 560, and 800 mm. In addition, the optical groups of many rangefinder lenses could be removed, and attached to the Visoflex via a system of adapters. The Visoflex system was discontinued in 1984. Leica's sometimes arcane catalogue of accessories belies a comprehensive if sometimes haphazard systems approach to photography. As an example, LTM (screwmount) lenses were easily usable on M cameras via an adapter. Similarly Visoflex lenses could be used on the Leicaflex and R cameras with an adapter. Furthermore, certain LTM and M rangefinder lenses featured removable optical groups which could be mounted via adapters on the Visoflex system, thus making them usable as rangefinder or SLR lenses for Visoflex-equipped Screwmount and M rangefinder cameras, as well as being usable on Leicaflex and R cameras. Leica also carried in their catalogues focusing systems such as the Focorapid and Televit which could replace certain lenses' helicoid mounts for sports and natural-life telephotography. Very early examples of Leica cameras and rare accessories are highly sought after by camera collectors and can fetch extremely high prices. Cameras carrying markings that show they were issued to the German army or airforce carry very high premiums. There exist many fake Leica cameras, usually based on Soviet cameras, with the Leica name engraved on the top-plate. Leica cameras, lenses, accessories even sales literature are almost fanatically collected by enthusiasts. There are dozens of Leica books and collector's guides, perhaps the best known is the massive 3-volume Leica an Illustrated History by James L. Lager, a former Leica employee. The Leica Historical Society of America is the largest Leica collector and user group, boasting 2,000 members. In 1986, the Leitz company changed its name to Leica (LEItz CAmera), due to the strength of the Leica brand. At this time, Leica moved its factory from Wetzlar to the nearby town of Solms. In 1996 Leica Camera separated from the Leica Group and became a publicly held company. In 1998 the Leica group split into 2 independent units: Leica Microsystems [1] and Leica Geosystems. The Leica company still produces a range of expensive, very high quality optical products, including compact cameras, M-System rangefinder cameras (direct descendants of the first Leica), R-system single-lens reflex cameras, digital cameras (in association with Panasonic) such as the Leica Digilux 2 / Panasonic DMC-LC1, binoculars, and spotting scopes. List of Leica Cameras and lensesBelow is a list of cameras and lenses produced under the Leica name. C (point and shoot) series
M (rangefinder) series
Leica 35 mm series with interchangeable lens screw mount style Leica bodies:
Leica M series with interchangeable lens bayonet style Leica bodies:
R (SLR) series
Digilux (digital) seriesLeica Digilux 2 Leica D-Lux 2
Leica lenses on PanasonicThe Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ20, a camera fitted with a Vario-Elmar asph 35-421 mm f/2.8.Leica lenses are used on many Panasonic digital cameras and video recorders. These include the Panasonic DMC-FZ10, Panasonic DMC-FZ20, Panasonic DMC-FZ30 models. Leica M lenses
Note: Noctilux is a f/1 or f/1.2 lens, Summilux is a f/1.4 lens, Summicron is a f/2 lens, and Elmarit is a f/2.8 lens in Leica lingo. Leica R lenses
Leica / Leitz enlargers
This page about Leica includes information from a Wikipedia article. Additional articles about Leica News stories about Leica External links for Leica Videos for Leica Wikis about Leica Discussion Groups about Leica Blogs about Leica Images of Leica |
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Note: Noctilux is a f/1 or f/1.2 lens, Summilux is a f/1.4 lens, Summicron is a f/2 lens, and Elmarit is a f/2.8 lens in Leica lingo. Marbles made in such a way are difficult to classify and generally grouped as "semi-machine-made". These include the Panasonic DMC-FZ10, Panasonic DMC-FZ20, Panasonic DMC-FZ30 models. Early mechanical methods were similar to modern ones, but used as assistance in manual production rather than automated mass production. Leica lenses are used on many Panasonic digital cameras and video recorders. Colour can be added by dropping dyes onto the marbles while they are still liquid. Leica M series with interchangeable lens bayonet style Leica bodies:. As the screws rotate, the marble travels along them, gradually being shaped into a sphere as it cools. Leica 35 mm series with interchangeable lens screw mount style Leica bodies:. One mechanical technique is dropping globules of molten glass into a groove made by two interlocking parallel screws. Below is a list of cameras and lenses produced under the Leica name. Glass marbles can be fashioned through the production of glass rods which are stacked together to form the desired pattern, cutting the rod into marble-sized pieces using marble scissors. The Leica company still produces a range of expensive, very high quality optical products, including compact cameras, M-System rangefinder cameras (direct descendants of the first Leica), R-system single-lens reflex cameras, digital cameras (in association with Panasonic) such as the Leica Digilux 2 / Panasonic DMC-LC1, binoculars, and spotting scopes. Clay, pottery, ceramic, or porcelain marbles can be made by rolling the material into a ball, and then letting dry, or firing, and then can be left natural, painted, or glazed. In 1998 the Leica group split into 2 independent units: Leica Microsystems [1] and Leica Geosystems. Stone or ivory marbles can be fashioned by grinding. In 1996 Leica Camera separated from the Leica Group and became a publicly held company. Marbles were originally made by hand. At this time, Leica moved its factory from Wetzlar to the nearby town of Solms. They can be categorized into three general types: hand-made, machine-made, and semi-machine made. In 1986, the Leitz company changed its name to Leica (LEItz CAmera), due to the strength of the Leica brand. Marbles are made using many techniques. The Leica Historical Society of America is the largest Leica collector and user group, boasting 2,000 members. Additionally, many glass artisans produce marbles for the collectors' market only, with some selling for hundreds of dollars. Lager, a former Leica employee. Due to a large market, there are many related side businesses that have sprung up such as numerous books and guides, web sites dedicated to live auctions of marbles only, and collector conventions. There are dozens of Leica books and collector's guides, perhaps the best known is the massive 3-volume Leica an Illustrated History by James L. This trend is typical of toy collecting and has been seen with baseball cards, postage stamps, metal toys, and dolls. Leica cameras, lenses, accessories even sales literature are almost fanatically collected by enthusiasts. Thus, it may be predicted that the value of today's marbles will soon reach a peak, then decline as vast amounts of similar marbles enter the market (as the collectors' estates are broken up) and then slowly increase again over time. There exist many fake Leica cameras, usually based on Soviet cameras, with the Leica name engraved on the top-plate. As with any collectible toy, the value seems to first peak when the collectors with the fondest memories enjoy recalling their childhoods through their acquisitions. Cameras carrying markings that show they were issued to the German army or airforce carry very high premiums. Very ugly but rare marbles may be valued as much as those of very fine quality. Very early examples of Leica cameras and rare accessories are highly sought after by camera collectors and can fetch extremely high prices. Each of these ratings is used to calculate the marble's worth, with the final dollar value influenced by overall demand. Leica also carried in their catalogues focusing systems such as the Focorapid and Televit which could replace certain lenses' helicoid mounts for sports and natural-life telephotography. Every marble can be completely categorized by many factors including its condition, size, type, manufacturer/artisan, age, style, materials, scarcity, and the existence of original packaging (which is further rated in terms of condition). Furthermore, certain LTM and M rangefinder lenses featured removable optical groups which could be mounted via adapters on the Visoflex system, thus making them usable as rangefinder or SLR lenses for Visoflex-equipped Screwmount and M rangefinder cameras, as well as being usable on Leicaflex and R cameras. As with any collecting hobby, the hyper-specialization that takes place can seem astounding to the uninformed. Similarly Visoflex lenses could be used on the Leicaflex and R cameras with an adapter. Marble collecting is a hobby enjoyed by thousands of people around the world. As an example, LTM (screwmount) lenses were easily usable on M cameras via an adapter. Glass marbles, too, became the most popular variety, and have remained so to this day. Leica's sometimes arcane catalogue of accessories belies a comprehensive if sometimes haphazard systems approach to photography. Glass marbles entered mass production in the early 20th century, when WWI cut off the importation of glass marbles from Europe, causing American innovation to be applied to the task, producing a mechanized method of glass marble production which became the most common system in the world. The Visoflex system was discontinued in 1984. Ceramic marbles entered actual mass production in the 1870s, the first truly cheap mass-production of marbles for the masses. In addition, the optical groups of many rangefinder lenses could be removed, and attached to the Visoflex via a system of adapters. In 1846 a German glass blower invented "marble scissors", allowing the first large scale production of marbles. Leica lenses for the Visoflex system included focal lengths of 65, 180 (rare), 200, 280, 400, 560, and 800 mm. They were commonly made of stone, metal, or glass until the 18th century, when ceramic marbles become more common. This was followed by a much more compact Visoflex II in 1960 (which was the only Visoflex version available in both LTM (screwmount) and M-bayonet) and the Visoflex III with instant-return mirror in 1964. They are mentioned prolifically in Roman literature, and examples exist of marbles previously in ancient Egypt. A redesigned PLOOT was introduced by Leica in 1951 as the Visoflex I. Originally marbles were constructed from clay or marble, hence their name. Moreover, until the 1964 introduction of the Leicaflex, the PLOOT and Visoflex were Leica's only SLR offerings. You can either have quitsies (able to quit) or no quitsies (unable to quit). This date is significant because that it places Leica among the 35 mm SLR pioneers. Quitsies: A term decided before the game which will allow any opponent to stop the game without consequence. The earliest Leica reflex housing was the PLOOT, announced in 1935, along with the 200 mm f/4.5 Telyt Lens. . Camera rangefinders are inherently limited in their ability to accurately focus long focal-length lenses and the mirror reflex box permitted much longer length lenses. While adults rarely play marbles themselves, many engage in marble collecting, both for nostalgia and for the aesthetic appeal of the brightly colored little spheres, or art marbles which excell in art glass quality. A coupling released both mirror and shutter to make the exposure. However, other players get a chance to hit the Gai taker's boulder and, if successful, then the marbels change ownership. Rather than using the camera's rangefinder, focusing was accomplished via a groundglass screen. But if a player can take the Gai out then he gets all the marbels. Conceptually bridging the Rangefinder Leicas and the SLR Leicas was the Leica Visoflex System, a mirror reflex box which attached to the lens mount of Leica rangefinders (separate versions were made for the screwmount and M series bodies) and accepted lenses made especially for the Visoflex System. It is not easy when there are marbels in the periphery. These include the Leotax, Nicca and early Canon models in Japan, the Kardon in USA, the Reid in England and the Fed and Zorki in the USSR. The major move is to hit the central Gai marble and take it out of the rectangle. A number of camera companies built models based on the Leica rangefinder design. If they are hit but stays within the rectangle, then the player plays one more marble as a fine that is placed in the rectangle. No other lens has matched the Noctilux in its combination of speed, quality and longevity. The marbels hit bt the matris must go out of the rectangle. Introduced in 1976, this ultra-high speed lens is still being made today. The players take turn to hit the marbles on the rectangle with a bigger marble (often called Boulder or Matris). Leica has in its stable a particularly remarkable lens, the Noctilux 50 mm f/1.0. These marbels are placed on the periphery of a rectangle and one special marble (the Gai) is placed in the center. Leica optics are particularly well-known for superior performance at maximum aperture, making them well-suited for natural-light photography. In Gaipar, each player contributes 4 marbles. There has been much controversy about this. It is immensely popular in Bengal. Leica lenses developed a mythology -- that photographs taken with them were recognizable from photographs taken with other lenses. One such specialized rule of game for Marble is named Gaipar. From the 30s to the 50s, the Leica competed with the German Contax camera to be most sophisticated and best built camera on market. As with many children's games, new rules are invented all the time, and each group is likely to have its own version of the game, often customised to the particular environment they play in. Leitz was also responsible for numerous optical innovations (first use of aspheric production lenses, first use of multicoated lenses, first use of rare earth lenses, to name a few). In this game, a useful strategy is to throw a marble such that it lands in a protected or difficult-to-reach location, should it miss. This and the high price of the optics made them less attractive to working photographers. A larger-scale game of marbles might involve taking turns to try and hit the opponent's marble to win. The optics were excellent, but Leica was slow to produce an auto-exposure model, and never made a version that supported auto-focusing. Other versions consist of shooting marbles at other target marbles or holes in the ground. The Leica SLRs were well-received. One version consists of drawing a circle in the sand with a stick, and adhering to informally agreed upon rules, players will take turns at knocking marbles out of the circle with their own marbles. The current model is the R9, which now has an optional Digital Module back. Some art glass marbles are even being made today in a huge size (greater than 12") for display purposes only. The R8 was re-designed and manufactured by Leica, featuring a larger body and a new, distinctive look. Marbles is a class of children's games played with glass, clay, or agate orbs generally approximately half an inch (1cm) across, but can range from a very small size of less than 1/4 inch, to a very large size of over 3". They feature electronic shutter, except for the all-mechanical R6, whose only electronic part is the lightmeter. Marbles named according to their colour. Leica also produced a series of SLR (single-lens reflex) cameras beginning with the Leicaflex, followed by the SL, the SL2, and then the R series from R3 to R7, which were initially made in collaboration with the Minolta Corporation . Queenie? Any marble larger than the majority of the marbles in a given context may be termed a boulder. This model has continued to be refined (the latest versions being the M7 and MP, both of which have frames for 28, 35, 50, 75, 90, and 135 mm lenses which show automatically upon mounting the different lenses); but the basic quality and simplicity of design has not changed. Marbles named according to their size, e.g. In addition, it had a new rubberized focal-plane shutter, which is known for reliability and is probably the quietest focal-plane shutter ever made. A "marble" is the small hard sphere used for playing the game and for decoration and collection, usually made of glass, clay, stone, or plastic. It combined the rangefinder and viewfinder into one large, bright viewfinder with a brighter double image in the center, and introduced a system of parallax compensation. "Keepsies" (or "for keeps") is a variation of any game, where players win the marbles used in the game by their opponent. In 1954 Leitz unveiled the M3, a bayonet lens model, considered by many to be a design miracle for its combination of simple appearance with functional flexibility. These models all had a functional combination of circular dials and square windows that was quite esthetically pleasing, although somewhat busy in appearance. The final version, the IIIg, included a large viewfinder with framelines, similar to the M3 finder, but still with the separate view- and rangefinder. Leitz continued to refine the original design through to 1957. Also significant about the IIIa is that it is the last model made before Barnack's death, and therefore the last model he was wholly responsible for. The Leica III added slow shutter speeds down to 1 second, and the model IIIa added the 1/1000 second shutter speed. This model had a separate viewfinder (showing a reduced image) and rangefinder (showing an enlarged double image which was properly focused when it became one image). The Leica II came in 1932, with a built in rangefinder coupled to the lens focusing mechanism. In addition to the 50 normal lens, a 35 wide angle and a 135 mm telephoto objective were initially available. In 1930 came the Leica I Schraubgewinde with an exchangeable objective system based on a 39 mm thread. The focal plane shutter had a range from 1/20 to 1/500 second, in addition to a Z for Zeit (time) position. Max Berek at Leitz, and was one of the reasons behind the success of the camera, the others being its compact size and reliability. The Elmar 50 mm f/3.5 objective (a 4-elements design influenced by the Zeiss Tessar) was designed by Dr. The camera was an immediate success when introduced at the 1925 Leipzig, Germany Spring Fair as the Leica I (for Leitz Camera). The concept was developed further, and in 1923 Barnack convinced his boss, Ernst Leitz II, to make a prototype series of 31. Barnack's words, "Small negatives -- large images", would soon change the world of photography. Barnack believed the 2:3 aspect ratio to be the ultimate choice, leaving room for a 36-exposure film length. Barnack used standard cinema 35 mm film, but extended the image size to 24 x 36 mm. Leitz Optische Werke, Wetzlar, in 1913. The first prototypes were built by Oskar Barnack at E. The Leica was the first practical 35 mm camera. . Leica Microsystems AG is the owner of the Leica brand, and grants licenses to Leica Camera AG and Leica Geosystems. The company, formerly Ernst Leitz Gmbh, is now three companies: Leica Camera AG, Leica Geosystems AG, and Leica Microsystems AG, which produce cameras, geosurvey equipment and microscopes, respectively. Leica is a camera produced by a German company of the same name. 1978-1995. Leitz/Leica Focomat V35 - autofocus - 40 mm f/2.8 Focotar lens - colour or Multigrade (variable contrast) heads. ELCAN 20 mm enlarger lens (40x-75x enlargements) - Extremely rare. ELCAN 52 mm enlarger lens (20x-25x enlargements) - Extremely rare. Vincent electrical shutter (for enlarger) - Extremely rare. Leitz Focomat II (modified for American millitary), code EN-121A - Extremely rare. Available in "color" version with filter drawer and lighted enlargement factor scale. Only very slender enlarging lenses will for the IIc helicals. Kienzle or other colour heads sometime fitted. All the 6 cm and 60 mm Focotars appear to be the same optical design. First produced with Focotar 6 cm f/1:4.5 and focotar 9.5 cm f/1:4.5, later with Focotar 60 mm and V-Elmar 100 mm f1:4.5, still later with Focotar 60 mm and Focotar II 100 mm f/1:5.6. Leitz Focomat IIc - 35 mm-6x9 formats, dual lens stage rather than turret, autofocus. Available in "color" version with filter drawer and lighted enlargement factor scale. The early version has a single helical that will accommodate lenses of any make. Leitz Focomat IIa - 35 mm-6x9 format, dual lens turret on later versions that fitted a 5 cm Elmar f/1:3.5 or Focotar f/1:4.5, and a 9.5 cm f/1:4.5 Focotar, autofocus. Many small design variations exist. Available in "color" version with filter drawer and lighted enlargement factor scale. The 1C helical will accommodate lenses of various makes. The 50 mm exists in two versions. The Focotar-2 is always the same formula, and so is the 5 cm version. Changes in Focotar name or focal length designation do not necessarily coincide with the optical formula. Produced first with Varob 5cm f1:3.5 lenses, later with Elmar 5cm f1:3.5, focotar 5cm f1:4.5, focotar 50 mm f/1:4.5, focotar 50 mm 2nd version f/1:4.5, Focotar-2 f/1:4.5. Leitz Focomat Ic - sometimes fitted with Kienzle colour head. Leitz Focomat Ib. Leitz Focomat Ia - Same as Focomat 1C, that is with autofocus, but the head does not tilt back to allow for easy insertion of negative. Leitz Valoy and Valoy II - manual focus, later versions of the Valoy II were grey in colour. Leica 105-280 mm f/4.2 Vario-Elmar-R zoom. Leica 80-200 mm f/4.0 Vario-Elmar-R zoom. Leica 80-200 mm f/4.5 Vario-Elmar-R zoom. Leica 75-200 mm f/4.5 Vario-Elmar-R - 1976-1984. Leica 70-210 mm f/4.0 Vario-Elmar-R zoom. Leica 35-70 mm Vario-Elmarit-R ASPH zoom - 2000 (only 200 was made). Leica 35-70 mm f/3.5 Vario-Elmar-R zoom. Leica 35-70 f/4.0 Vario-Elmar-R zoom. Leica 70-180 mm f/2.8 Vario-APO-Elmarit-R zoom. Leica 28 mm-70 mm f/3.5-f/4.5 Vario-Elmar-R zoom. Leica 21 mm-35 mm f/3.5-f/4.0 Vario-Elmar-R zoom - 2002. Leica modular APO-Telyt-R 400/560/800 head. Leica modular APO-Telyt-R 260/400/560 head. Leica 800 mm f/6.3 Telyt-S - 1972-1995 (sold including a free VW Fox). Leica 560 mm f/5.6 Telyt-R - 1966-1973. Leica 560 mm f/6.8 Telyt-R - 1971-1995. Leica 500 mm f/8 MR-Telyt-R. Leica 450 mm f/5.6 Elcan-R, code C-329 - Extremely rare. Leica 400 mm f/2.8 APO-Telyt-R - 1992-1996. Leica 400 mm f/5.6 Telyt-R. Leica 400 mm f/6.8 Telyt-R - 1968-1994. Leica 350 mm f/4.8 Telyt-R. Leica 280 mm f/2.8 APO-Telyt-R - 1984-1997. Leica 280 mm f/4.0 APO-Telyt-R. Leica 280 mm f/4.8 Telyt-V. Leica 250 mm f/4.0 Telyt-R 2nd version. Leica 250 mm f/4.0 Telyt-R 1st version -. Leica 180 mm f/3.4 Elcan-R code C-303 - Extremely rare. Leica 180 mm f/2.0 APO-Summicron-R. Leica 180 mm f/2.8 APO-Elmarit-R - 1998. Leica 180 mm f/3.4 APO-Telyt-R - 1975-1998. Leica 180 mm f/2.8 Elmarit-R 2nd version. Leica 180 mm f/2.8 Elmarit-R 1st version. Leica 180 mm Elmar-R - 1976. Leica 135 mm f/2.8 Elmarit-R 2nd version. Leica 135 mm f/2.8 Elmarit-R 1st version - 1965. Leica 100 mm f/2.8 APO-Macro-Elmarit-R. Leica 100 mm f/4.0 Macro-Elmar-R helical version. Leica 100 mm f/4.0 Macro-Elmar-R bellows version. Leica 90 mm f/1.0 Elcan-R - Extremely rare. Leica 90 mm APO-Summicron-R ASPH - 2002. Leica 90 mm Summicron-R 2nd version -. Leica 90 mm Summicron-R 1st version - 1969. Leica 90 mm f/2.8 Elmarit-R 2nd version - 1983. Leica 90 mm f/2.8 Elmarit-R 1st version - 1964-1996. Leica 80 mm f/1.4 Summilux-R. Leica 75 mm f/2.0 Elcan-R code C-341 - Extremely rare. Leica 60 mm Macro-Elmarit-R dn2 version. Leica 60 mm Macro-Elmarit-R 1st version - 1972 - outside bayonet lens hood fitting. Leica 50 mm f/1.4 Summilux-R 3rd version - 1997 (ROM contacts). Leica 50 mm f/1.4 Summilux-R 2nd version. Leica 50 mm f/1.4 Summilux-R 1st version. Leica 50 mm f/2.0 Summicron-R 2nd version - 1977 - built-in lens hood, 3-cam and R-cam only version. Leica 50 mm f/2.0 Summicron-R 1st version - 1964. Leica 35 mm f/1.4 Summilux-R. Leica 35 mm f/2.0 Summicron-R 2nd version - 1976. Leica 35 mm f/2.0 Summicron-R 1st version - 1970. Leica 35 mm f/2.8 Elmarit-R 3rd version. Leica 35 mm f/2.8 Elmarit-R 2nd version. Leica 35 mm f/2.8 Elmarit-R 1st version - 1964. Leica 35 mm f/4.0 PA-Curtagon-R (Schneider-Kreuznach design). Leica 28 mm f/2.8 Elmarit-R 2nd version - 1994. Leica 28 mm f/2.8 Elmarit-R 1st version - 1970. Leica 28 mm PC-Super-Angulon-R (Schneider-Kreuznach design). Leica 24 mm f/2.8 Elmarit-R. Leica 21 mm f/3.4 Super-Angulon-R - 1968 (Schneider-Kreuznach design). Leica 21 mm f/4.0 Super-Angulon-R - 1968-1992 (Schneider-Kreuznach design). Leica 19 mm f/2.8 Elmarit-R 2nd version - 1990. Leica 19 mm f/2.8 Elmarit-R 1st version. Leica 16 mm f/2.8 Fisheye-Elmarit-R - 1970. Leica 15 mm f/2.8 Super-Elmarit-R ASPH - 2001. Leica 15 mm f/3.5 Super-Elmar-R - 1980 (Carl Zeiss design). 28-35-50 mm f/4. Tri-Elmar-M Asph. Macro-Elmar-M 90 mm f/4. Apo-Telyt-M 135 mm f/3.4. Elmarit 135 mm f/2.8. Elmarit-M 90 mm f/2.8. 90 mm f/2. Apo-Summicron-M Asph. 75 mm f/2. Apo-Summicron-M Asph. Summilux-M 75 mm f/1.4. Elmar-M 50 mm f/2.8 (collapsible). Noctilux-M 50 mm f/1. Summicron-M 50 mm f/2. 50 mm f/1.4. Summilux-M Asph. 35 mm f/2. Summicron-M Asph. 35 mm f/1.4. Summilux-M Asph. Elmarit-M 28 mm f/2.8. 28 mm f/2. Summicron-M Asph. 24 mm f/2.8. Elmarit-M Asph. 21 mm f/2.8. Elmarit-M Asph. R8/R9 DMR Digital Module R (DSLR). Digilux 2. Digilux 1. D-Lux 2. D-Lux. Digilux 4.3. Digilux Zoom. Digilux. R8/R9 DMR Digital Module-R - 10 megapixel digital back for the R8/R9, making them the first 35 mm SLR cameras able to capture to film or digitally. R9 - refinement of the R8 with 100g less weight and a new anthracite body finish. All traces of Minolta gone. R8 - complete redesign, this time in-house with production moved back to Germany. R7 - 1992 - yet more advanced electronics. R6.2 - 1992- as R6 but with refinements, including a 1/2000th shutter speed. R6 - 1988-92 mechanical shutter, relied on battery power only for the built-in light meter. R5 and R-E - 1987 - revised electronics (R5 had TTL flash capability), the RE was a simplified model. Leica R4 [2]. The R4 offered The R4S and R4S Mod2 were simplified models at slightly lower prices. The R4MOT differed in designation only; all R4s and up accepted motors and winders. The R4 offered Program mode, Aperture and Shutter Priority, and Manual, with Spot and Centerweighted metering. The R4 set the design for all cameras up to and including the R7. R4MOT/R4/R4S/R4S Mod2 - 1980 - 1987 a new compact model based upon the Minolta XD11. The first few were built in Germany and then production was transferred to the Leitz Portugal factory. R3 - the first electronic Leitz SLR - 1976 to 1980, based upon the Minolta XE1/7. The SL2 would also be the last mechanical Leica SLR for 14 years. The SL2 was the swan-song of the Leicaflexes; the SL2 reportedly cost Leitz more to manufacture than it recouped in sales, and motivated the company to collaborate with Minolta for their next series of electronic cameras. Only about 1,000 SL2 MOTs were made. The Leica Solms museum has on display an SL2 MOT with Motor and 35 mm Summicron which survived a 25,000 foot fall from a Phantom II fighter jet: battered but in one piece, and deemed repairable by Leica. Thought by some to be the toughest 35 mm SLR ever built. Leicaflex SL2/SL2 MOT - 1974 - refinement of the SL with more sensitive light meter and improved body shape. Only about 1,000 SL MOTs were made. MOT model took a large and heavy motor drive. Leicaflex SL and SL MOT - 1968 - TTL selective-area metering, slightly taller body than its predecessor, long-lived and lovely to use. There was a great deal of pressure to introduce a Leica SLR because of the phenomenal success of the Nikon F (1959). Leicaflex - 1964/5 - sometimes called the Standard - built-in external light meter, clear focusing screen with centre ground-glass spot. Program to facilitate custom-built combinations of metal finish, leather type, viewfinder magnification, and custom engraving. A La Carte Program 2004 - present. The new MP is available in chrome and black paint and with viewfinders of .58, .72 and .85 magnification. The Leicavit M is an accessory introduced with the new MP, allowing trigger wind with the right hand at speeds up to 2-2.5 frame/s. A notable improvement over the M6 was the modification of the rangefinder to eliminate flare. A homage to the original MP, the new MP (this time standing for "Mechanical Perfection") cosmetically resembles the original (even down to changing the rewind crank back to a knob!) but is functionally closer to the M6 Classic. MP - 2003 - current model (as of 2005). Same taller top plate and counter-clockwise shutter dial as the M6 TTL. Comes in .58, .72, and .85 viewfinder formats, each with different brightline framelines. Has TTL exposure, aperture priority and manual exposure, electronic shutter and two mechanical speeds of 1/60 and 1/125. M7 2002 - current model (as of 2005). The added electronics added 2 mm of height to the top plate, and the shutter dial was reversed from previous models (traditionally, turning clockwise increased shutter speed). Supported TTL flash. From 2000 the .58 viewfinder camera for eyeglass wearers are added to the line. With .72 and .85 viewfinder versions. M6 TTL - 1998 - 2002. Only 3,130 of these cameras were made (all black chrome), so they are among the rarer non-commemorative M6's. The 28 mm framelines are dropped in this model. The M6 could be optionally ordered with a .85 magnification viewfinder for easier focusing with long lenses and more accurate focusing with fast lenses, such as the 50 mm f/1.0 Noctilux and 75 mm f/1.4 Summilux. M6 0.85 - 1998. Notable for its introduction of the 0.85 magnification finder, the first high-magnification finder since 1966, and the basis for the 0.85 cameras to follow starting in 1998. A collector's edition of 1,640 cameras to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Leica M System. M6J - 1994. Informally referred to as the M6 "Classic" to distinguish it from the "M6 TTL" models, and to indicate its "Classic" M3 dimensions. A breakthrough camera, finally combining the M3 form factor with a modern, off-the-shutter light meter with no moving parts and LED arrows in the viewfinder. M6 - 1984 - 1998. Added rangefinder framelines for the 28 mm and 75 mm lenses. M4-P - 1980 - 1986. Made in Canada. No self-timer. First M with hotshoe for electronic flash. With stronger gears for the adaptation of a motor drive. First M to be manufactured since 1975. M4-2 - 1977 - 1980 (17,000 sets were manufactured). Minolta later manufactured and sold an improved electronic version, the Minolta CLE with Auto Exposure, Off-The-Film TTL metering and TTL Flash metering, together with three M-Rokkor lenses, the 40 mm f/2, 28 mm f/2.8 and 90 mm f/4. The CL is also notable for being the only M-bayonet camera to have a vertically-traveling shutter. Internal metering similar to the M5--CDS cell on a swinging stalk. Also known as the Minolta CL, Leitz-Minolta CL, introduced with 2 lenses special to that model: the 40 mm Summicron-C f2 and 90 mm Elmar-C f4. CL - 1973 - 1976 (the compact Leica). With the M4, last M camera to have a self-timer. These restrictions also held true for the Leica CL (below). For similar reasons, collapsible lenses could not be collapsed on the M5. Certain wide angle lenses (early 21 mm f4.0 and f3.4) could not be used in the camera without modification because of the possibility of damage to the rear element of the lens or the meter arm. The added functionality required a redesigned, larger body compared with the traditional M3 dimensions. First Leica with a light meter, a mechanical swinging-arm CDS cell positioned behind the lens. With added integral TTL lightmeter. M5 - 1971 - 1975 (31,400 sets were manufactured). With the M5, last M camera to have a self-timer. Introduced the canted rewind crank (the previous Ms had rewind knobs). With added rangefinder framelines for 35 mm and 135 mm lenses. M4 - 1967 - 1975 (50,000 sets were manufactured); 1974 -1975 (6,500 sets were manufactured). In 1965 replaced by the MD (with no viewfinder at all), and the MDa (based on the M4) (1967), and finally the MD-2 (based on the M4-2) (1980). A stripped version of the M2 for scientific/technical use, the M1 was a viewfinder camera with no built-in rangefinder. M1 - 1959 - 1964 (9,392 sets were manufactured). The M2 lacked the self-resetting film frame counter of its predecessor. The 0.72 magnification became the standard viewfinder magnification for future M cameras. A scaled-down and lower-cost version of the M3, the M2 had a simplified rangefinder of 0.72 magnification, allowing easier use of 35 mm lenses. M2 - 1958 - 1967 (88,000 sets were manufactured). MP originally stood for "M Professional"; the camera was intended to be a photojournalist's camera. The original MP was based on the M3 and could be fitted with a Leicavit trigger winding device. MP - 1956 - 1957 (Total 402 sets were manufactured). Early M3s lacked a frame preview selector lever to switch between framelines. The M3 advanced film via a lever rather than knob, the first M3s required two strokes to advance the film, after 1958 M3's were single-stroke. The price of this high magnification was that a 35 mm lens required "goggles" which fit in front of the view/rangefinder windows to facilitate a wider view. The M3 has a .92 magnification finder, the highest of any M camera made. In an advertisement from 1956, it was regarded as a "lifetime investment in perfect photography"; a statement that has proven to be true after more than fifty years since its release. It was the first of the M series Leicas that are still manufactured today - the first interchangeable lens bayonet style Leica body. M3 - 1954 - 1966 (Total 200,000 units manufactured) The M3 was introduced at the German Foto Kina exhibition in 1954. Leica IIIg - Produced till 1960 (Total 798,200 screwmount cameras had been made by then). Leica incorporates flash synchronization and a self timer. Leica IIIf - 1950. Leica incorporates fast shutter speeds to the shutter design. Leica IIIa - 1935. Leica incorporates slow speeds to the shutter design in this model. Leica III - 1933. Leica introduces the rangefinder in the camera with this model. Leica II - 1932. From 1930 with interchangeable lenses. Followed by Leica Luxur and Leica Compur (a total of 60,586 was made of the Leica I, Luxur and Compur). Leica I - was introduced first time to the market at the 1925 spring fair in Leipzig, based on the Ur-Leica prototype developed by Oscar in 1913 and the Prototyp 1 developed in 1923. Leica CM Zoom. Leica CM 40 mm. Leica Minilux Zoom. Leica Minilux 40 mm. C3. C2. C1. Z2X. |